Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-11-08
THE WHITE CARS LAND
AN AMERICAN TRAVELLERS iMPRES.
SlONS OF RUSSIA.


Out-scenes at the Custom Houss.
Swarms Of Odicial..
When, n few weeks ago in New York,
determined TO visit Russia, and called
upon some acquaintances for Information
on the subject was to investigate, was
told that my trip would certainly he one
of great pleasure and supreme delight;
that the stories concerning the despotism
in Russia We're false; that need have no
fear Of dungeon horrors and Siberia, and
that should proceed with the same de-
liberation and uninterruption l would
traverse any other portion Of the con-
tinent. At London my English friends
looked aghast, and declared that l took
my life in my hands when l entered
Russia, and demonstrated against il.
The English know more of the country,
the customs and the alleged laws, find.
than the Americans; but being more ex
citable and prejudiced, they are less likely
TO do justice 10 the subject. The English
have said and done 50 much against
Russia that, as n general rule. they do
not receive the few civilities and privi-
leses granted strangers.
thought it quite eNacting to have my
passport vised by the Russian minister ut
Washington, or the consul ut the point
where entered the country, before
could see Russian soil, when n passport,
plain and simple, is required in no other
country man visits in all Europe: but
when l learned that even the natives Of
Russia must take out passport every
year and have it regularly vised by the
local officer before they are exempt from
contempt of the emperor, l concluded that
strangers were quite rs well favored as
the cZar's own subjects. The object in
requiring natives to have passports is rev.
enue, while aliens are put to this trouble
and expense for the purpose of inducing
them to stay ont Of Russia. All Russians
must be naturalized il they remain in the
country, and their passports, which cost
them ten roubles n year about 81. so, is
evidence Of their naturalization.
At the frontier the stranger encounters
little in the forms different from other
countries The modes Of inspecting bag
gage and withstanding personal scrutiny
do not vary greatly from the usual. But
as everything in Russia is distinctly Rus
sian, and therefore exceedingly strange,
the most experienced traveller is possessed
of a sense Of concern. IL not fear. The
through trains from Vienna, Berlin and
other popular points of departure for Rus
sia land one on the frontier at night. The
place is small, and the station swarms
with Russian officers, big, burly fellows,
with swarthy, unintelligent faces covered
with long, flowing boards, and all dressed
in the most elaborate uniforms. There is
a clanking of swords, a rattle Of spurs, a
din of voices and n rushing hither and
thither that is appalling. Timid women
travelling alone have been overcome with
fear or lost their heads in this hustle.
The gendarme in charge is the first
officer who approaches the incomer. This
is the highest ranking military Official,
and l,e takes up the passports. He is ar
rayed like u Napoleon-a broad topped cap
Of red, white and black; dark green frock
coet, trimmed with white and decEed
with brass epaulets weighing pounds; a
huge belt and sword, which is hung to
strike the ground at every step and rattle
like musketry; pantalOons with n deep
white stripe and tucked in knee top boots;
spurs of enormous proportions, and re-
volver Of sufficient size to gun for buffalo.
The passports and gendarme disappear in
the direction of the Office Of the Russian
consul, where the documents are! ex-
aftfnedn" ~ EUhlfguou' bICy ub rue
On the heels Of Jthts Aipl0motie QGRcer
come the customs larkegk who. without
ceremony or invitation, pick up the
sachels, bags and bundles, exclaim in
Russian, Custom house, and put out
The traveller follows. He finds his trunks
already on the counters inside the station,
and if they are unlocked they are open
and the contents are being dumped on the
floor. The terror to the Russian govern
ment is printed matter. Every newspaper,
circular or book found is taken out and
sent to the cendarme and the consul. II
anything al0ht free government, free
schools, or other free institutions, criticism
of Russia or her form of government is
found il is retained; and should it appear
among the possibilities that the bearer
has any design upon the Russian way OF
doing things he OF she is detained for ex-
animation. 1t does not appear in history
or tradition that persons detained have
fver proven their missions clear. They
amply have been heard of no more.
Trains entering or emerging from Rus
ia do not pretend to respect their time
card, for the reason that they are often
detained on the frontier. Two hours are
always taken, however, pelnS the time re-
CURED 1or examining baggage and pass
ports, long or snort oh thls occasion the
traln was hght ana the baggage was soon
inspected But Inc passengers were NOS
permitted TO resume Their place IN the
frain. AS soon as they escaped the Gus
TOMS onhcers they were leo into the adloin-
ing restaurant. men, women ana children,
"here were an classes OF people IN every
conditioh. All outer doors were locked,
ana We're guarded py omcers. limid,
deiica'e women hoSe,ea IN the corners
ana waited lor the end OF tne TWO hours,
whlie hait intoxicated RUSSIANS crowded
ABOUT, smoking nasty cigars or drinking
steamlhg tea at the tables. In all the
multitude OF "reeks' Siass' fersians,
Swedes, Russians, Hernahs, not an Eng
hsh voice was beard ami seldom did one
see man VINO couid interpret even sign.
lhe women were more ready and bright
readily.
Finally Russian rushed like mad from
the staten and began ringing a bell.
There CpmmOfinn inside The heIl